Otoei Shifu Village is the smallest village in Hokkaido with approximately 600 residents. The pride of this village is the "Otoneppu High School of Arts and Crafts," a high school that nurtures human resources through arts and crafts, which is attracting nationwide attention, and all students live in dormitories in the village. The activities of these high school students will be supported by the Ototo High School Cheering Group, which will be established in 2024. In this issue, we will introduce the initiatives of Ototo High School of Arts and Crafts and the Otoko Cheering Group.

What is Otoneppu High School of Arts and Crafts?

Otoinepu Village is the smallest village in Hokkaido with a population of only 600 people.

Otoishippu Village is a village where art and culture thrive, and where the late Bikki Sunazawa, one of Japan's most famous sculptors, worked. Located in such a village, the "Otoinepu Arts and Crafts High School" attracts students from all over Japan who are passionate about art and hone their skills and expressive abilities through dormitory life. Graduates are active in many fields, including furniture makers, artists, cartoonists, and paper cutout artists. The presence of the high school students is a source of great hope for Otoei Shifu Village.

Reason why "Otoh High School Cheering Group" was born.

During Mr. Sakon's time at Yubari City Hall, the current Governor Naomichi Suzuki was the mayor. Mr. Sakon served as his right-hand man.

The founder of the newly established "Otoko Cheering Group" is Mr. Wataru Sakon, a native of Otoeishifu Village and a graduate of Otoneppu High School of Arts and Crafts. After graduating from university, he worked for 9 years at the Yubari City Hall to revitalize the town, and in April 2023, he started his own business. He is currently working on town revitalization in Otoeppu Village. Mr. Sakon says, "I launched this project because I recognized the importance of a place for learning and the significance of supporting the entire community.

Supporting the Future of High School Students! Main activities of "Otoko Ouendan" (Otoko High School Support Group)

The "Otoko Ouendan" aims to create learning opportunities for students to play an active role in Japan and abroad, and to provide concrete support to nurture their creativity. The program is divided into three main areas.

1. Expansion of learning opportunities

Special classes are held by artists and craftsmen from Japan and abroad. New learning opportunities for high school students will be established.

2. Provide opportunities to present artwork

In the past, an exhibition and sale of works by graduates and workshops were held at YEAST, a gallery in the center of Tokyo, which was visited by about 100 people at the time. This "Otoko High School Cheering Group" initiative will also provide a venue for direct connection between the cheering group and high school students and graduates.

3. Exchange events with the cheering squad members

High school students volunteer to run a café space at the Eco Museum in Otoeishifu Village, where the works of sculptor "Sunazawa Bikki" are on display. An exchange event between high school students and supporters is scheduled to be held at this location.

Crowdfunding for the "Otoko Cheering Group" is currently underway!

Mr. Sachika is currently running a crowdfunding campaign for the "Otoko Cheering Squad". By participating in this initiative, you can support the growth and creative activities of high school students. Returns include articles on the students, invitations to exchange events at the Otoei Shifu Village Eco Museum, and more. In addition, local products and original artwork by the students will be provided.

Mr. Sachika gave us the following comments.

Why don't you join us in supporting the future of the high school students who will fly away from Otoeishifu Village?

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